Biography
W.F. Marcuson III, Ph.D., P.E., Hon. M.ASCE

Bill Marcuson

Bill Marcuson received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Citadel, Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University and Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University. He joined the staff of the USACE Waterways Experiment Station in 1970. His research focused on soil behavior related to geotechnical problems, seismic design and analysis of embankment dams and seismically-induced liquefaction of soils. Bill served as director, Geotechnical Laboratory, from 1981 until his retirement in 2000. As director, he was responsible for research and development in soil mechanics, engineering geology, rock mechanics, earthquake engineering, geophysics, military pavements and Army mobility.

Bill is a consultant on geotechnical problems and projects, especially those involving seismic remediation, ground improvement and dam safety, to numerous national and international organizations.

He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Mississippi and South Carolina, a Chartered Engineer in the United Kingdom, and a Fellow and Honorary Member of ASCE. He has received five national awards from ASCE, including the Norman Medal, civil engineering's oldest honor. In 1995, he was honored by the National Society of Professional Engineers as their Federal Engineer of the Year. He is the only engineer to be named the Corps of Engineer’s Engineer of the Year twice (1981 and 1995), and he was honored by the Corps as their Civilian of the Year in 1997. He served ASCE on the Board of Direction from 1989 to 1992 and as vice president from 1998 to 2000. Bill delivered ASCE’s 1999 Karl Terzaghi Lecture and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to civil engineering.